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Montana Law Firm


Residents of less densely populated states often have similar dilemmas when dealing with legal representation.  For many legal issues, there is always the option to litigate with the assistance of a large, national law firm rather than attempting to find a Montana law firm.  This is an ill-conceived notion, as it is not difficult to find a reliable Montana law firm for most legal matters.  Especially for matters not related to litigation, Montana law firms are the only viable form of legal representation for state residents and finding the best Montana law firms will be essential to assuring a positive income for you legal matters.  As a client, you will obligation to research you legal matter thoroughly, as well as follow a few common sense procedures to vet your lawyer and ensure that they will meet your legal representation needs.  You can use this site to research you legal needs, get more information on your issues and find more information on Montana law firms.

Things to prepare before meeting with the Montana law firm

You need to be organized to take full advantage of the initial consultation you will have with the Montana law firm.  During this initial consultation, your priority will be to express your legal issue clearly, then figure out what you will be paying for legal services.  Failing to have this accomplished by the end of the initial consultation, you should request that the consultation period be extended or that you will pay for an additional hour to work out the details of the legal issue or come to a workable fee arrangement.  Prematurely agreeing to terms that are not in your favor or failing to express the extent of your legal situation with hamper both you and the Montana law firm’s ability to function properly and accomplish the goals you have set.

Importance of thoroughness

Remember that you will not be putting on the best face for the Montana law firm.  Rather, you will need to be as honest and objective on your part when describing the potential legal issue.  The Montana law firm will also need to be objective when evaluating your claims.  If you have any evidence to back your claims then ensure this is made available to the Montana law firm.  This will help them determine an appropriate course of action, given the strength of your position and other key factors.  Even in non-adversarial legal issues, such as bankruptcy, thoroughness of information provided to the Montana law firm will be critical to avoiding complications.

Local versus national

There are a number of reasons to choose a local law firm, the most important being the ease of communication with a Montana law firm located in your county or even within the state.  Most national law firms that represent Montana clients will have to send a representative to meet with you.  While this is not an indictment of the merits of having a large national law firm represent you, many Montana residents will favor the idea of having a local law firm, in their community handle their matter, as proximity will facilitate easy communication for key briefings, paperwork and ensuring the client is up to date with details related to the legal matter.

Knowledge of state law is also critical, which is where Montana law firms have another advantage.  Laws always vary by state, especially in regards to enforcement.  The Montana law firm will be aware of the details of laws in the state and will be able to explain best how minor differences in the law will factor on your case.

What is the function of the State Bar of Montana?

The State Bar of Montana is the mandatory integrated bar association that licenses and disciplines member lawyers of Montana law firms and ensures their compliance with mandates defining the acceptable practice of law in the state.  All complaints about any Montana law firm will be filed with the SBM and must be made in writing.  Fee dispute resolution services are available, but will be separate from the attorney complaints system as this is merely a service to facilitate an end to a typical dispute that a client may have with a Montana law firm due to miscommunication.  The SBM provides members with benefits too, generally lawyer assistance for professional issues and advice on ethics concerns they may have regarding the practice of law in Montana.

Do I need to use a Montana law firm for my legal issue?

Generally, you will need to use a Montana law firm for most legal services, including the preparation of a number of legal documents.  Since the practice of law is tightly regulated in the state through the SBM, the unauthorized practice of law is a serious concern as this undermines the quality of legal services available and opens the potential of a number of legal malpractice issues.  Document preparation MAY be done without a Montana law firm for some legal matters, but no document preparation entity can represent you in court or vouch for the legal suitability of the services provided.  You will also not have any recourse, which would have been provided by the SBM, had you worked with a Montana law firm.  Montana law firms offer competitive rates on most legal services and for most instances; you should trust a Montana law firm with your legal matter

Finding a Montana law firm

You will be able to use the free Lawyer Referral and Information Service, provided for Montana residents by the State Bar of Montana.  While the service is free, there may be a fee from the attorney for an initial consultation, depending on the legal matter.  For instance, there will be no fee for litigation matters but a nominal fee to consult on a real estate issue.  This service does not offer legal aid but can provide you with free legal information that does not construe attorney advice.  Many questions about the practice of law in Montana can be answered by contacting this service.  All Montana law firms participating in the service are vetted and have liability insurance in case of legal malpractice.

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